While on the treadmill this morning I watched a CMT video with Trace Adkins singing Just Fishin’. It shows Trace walking down to the lake with his own little girl, Trinity. And while she thinks they’re just fishing, as a Dad Trace knows there’s a whole lot more going on. It’s a tender and poignant message for all of us Dads – and Moms. Cleaning up the yard, raising tomatoes, going to the zoo or attending to the latest boo-boo, are not just mechanical details. Rather, they are the basis for creating life-long relationships, instilling values, and teaching life lessons that should only come from a parent.
Years pass quickly. My own three children are grown and have children of their own. Seeing them live lives that are meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling makes me think back to what seems like yesterday when we were playing, tinkering, and fishin’. And seeing what is happening in their lives makes my own work along the way seem insignificant.
In as much as I talk about the importance of work that matters, it is still simply one tool for a successful life.
Paul Orfalea grew Kinko’s from a single copy shop into a huge chain of stores that was eventually sold to FedEx. When asked about the biggest success he had accomplished, Orfalea replied, “Success in life is having kids who want to come back to visit you when they’ve grown up.”
I’m glad I didn’t miss “success” while I was building my business.
